Chemistry & Inquiry

Master critical analysis skills and advanced laboratory techniques

Explore Events

Skills & Knowledge Required

Advanced Chemistry

AP-level chemistry knowledge including kinetics, stoichiometry, and material science

Laboratory Techniques

Hands-on experimentation, measurement precision, and analytical methods

Forensic Analysis

Evidence analysis, investigative methods, and scientific problem-solving

Cryptography & Logic

Pattern recognition, cipher analysis, and logical reasoning skills

Chemistry & Inquiry Events

Chemistry Lab

Description: Focus on Kinetics and Stoichiometry through hands-on laboratory work and theoretical understanding of chemical processes.

Type: Lab Event
Focus: Kinetics & Stoichiometry
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Chemical kinetics and reaction rates
  • Stoichiometric calculations and limiting reactants
  • Laboratory safety and procedure execution
  • Data collection and analysis techniques
  • Chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle
  • Quantitative analysis and precision measurement
Event Manager: TBD

Materials Science

Description: Participants will demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between the structure and properties of materials.

Type: Study + Lab Event
Focus: Material properties & structure
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Crystal structures and lattice systems
  • Material properties and characterization
  • Phase diagrams and material transformations
  • Mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties
  • Polymers, ceramics, and composite materials
  • Material testing and analysis techniques
Event Manager: TBD

Forensics

Description: Teams will identify evidence samples and solve a crime scenario using scientific analysis and investigative techniques.

Type: Investigation Event
Focus: Evidence analysis
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Evidence collection and preservation
  • Fingerprint analysis and classification
  • DNA analysis and genetic markers
  • Trace evidence examination
  • Crime scene investigation techniques
  • Scientific reasoning and deduction
Event Manager: TBD

Experimental Design

Description: Teams will design, conduct, and analyze an experiment to solve a given problem, demonstrating scientific methodology.

Type: Design & Analysis Event
Focus: Scientific methodology
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Hypothesis formation and testing
  • Experimental design and controls
  • Data collection and statistical analysis
  • Variable identification and manipulation
  • Error analysis and uncertainty quantification
  • Scientific communication and reporting
Event Manager: TBD

Codebusters

Description: Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using various cipher techniques and logical reasoning.

Type: Cryptanalysis Event
Focus: Cipher breaking
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Classical cipher systems (Caesar, Vigenère, etc.)
  • Frequency analysis and pattern recognition
  • Mathematical cryptography principles
  • Logical reasoning and problem-solving
  • Computer programming for cipher analysis
  • Cryptanalytic attack methodologies
Event Manager: TBD

Team Leadership

Subject Directors

2 Subject Directors lead Math, Chemistry, and Experimentation, responsible for advanced analytical skills and laboratory expertise.

Responsibilities:

  • Teaching advanced chemistry and analysis techniques
  • Developing experimental design expertise
  • Leading laboratory sessions and safety protocols
  • Coordinating analytical equipment and materials

Event Managers

Each event has exactly 1 Event Manager responsible for organizational and communicative tasks.

Responsibilities:

  • Getting to know members on a personal level
  • Creating meeting activities and competitions
  • Facilitating learning and practice
  • Organizing laboratory equipment and chemicals